GTA
Airguns by Make and Model => Air Arms Airguns => Topic started by: Bodacious on November 20, 2019, 08:15:02 PM
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Wondering if anyone has tested the newest Vortek PG3 HO kit in their Tx200's yet?
Curious!
I'm expecting an arrival any day now.
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I put in the PG3 High Output into my .177 cal TX200 a few months ago.
This kit was easy to install, and has two means of adjusting the power: The traditional washer method and a cool power adjustment on the top hat. I left mine on the lowest power setting. Per Tom Gore's recommendation, I left the cocked TX in my gun cabinet for 24 hours to set the spring, then it was out to my home range to test the TX out. No fliers from the get-go! At 20 yards I was stacking one pellet on top of another. After only 50 shots, I shot a dime-sized 10-shot group at 50 yards (no wind). It was real quiet. Just a short 'puck’ sound with no vibration at all.
I have about 3,000 shots on the spring. The initial power level level was 15 fpe, but it has settled down to 14.4 fpe. The shot cycle is real smooth. The recoil was a bit more than what I experienced when the rifle was tuned with a Maccari spring at 12.5 fpe, but definitely less than the stock spring (15.5 fpe).
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Wondering if anyone has tested the newest Vortek PG3 HO kit in their Tx200's yet?
Curious!
I'm expecting an arrival any day now.
Hello. I recently purchased the pg3 HO kit for my Tx200 .22 and my findings were pretty positive. I transitioned from a pg2 SHO kit , first thing i noticed was the pg3 was more or less an inch longer in total length, and the top guide has been improved quite a bit especially with the addition of the power setting notches. I have mine on the highest setting just to see if it felt like a rougher cycle, but after 250 shots its honestly not any more crude feeling. The kit eliminates most if not all of the spring twang that u would hear from the stock internals. Ive kept the standard piston seal in mine just cause i feel that it does the job. Im very happy with the kit. Just my two cents.
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What are you looking for from your 177 TX200? Are you punching paper for enjoyment? Hunting (and if so what?)? If it was me I would not worry about power and get the 12fpe kit as it will be easier to shoot accurately and kill a squirrel without issues.
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Got over 1000 shots with the PG3 installed. Honestly it seems a bit buzzier than my PG2 kit.
Shoots as well as a PG2.
Being that the PG-2ho are no longer available, I guess I’ll learn to like the new PG-3 ho
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What are you looking for from your 177 TX200? Are you punching paper for enjoyment? Hunting (and if so what?)? If it was me I would not worry about power and get the 12fpe kit as it will be easier to shoot accurately and kill a squirrel without issues.
Not really hunting, punching paper at 20 and 30 yards. Also have reactive targets at 40,50,70,80,90,100,and 120 yards. So the 15fpe works for me.
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I am currently getting 15 fpe with the PG3 HO kit in my TX200, if I put in one power washer. That gives me 810 fps with JSB 10.3 gr pellets.
I believe that the addition of the power washer took the slight amount of buzz during the shot cycle.
If you are going to use the clear tar that comes with the kit, use it very sparingly.
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I tried to turn the helix on the assembly. Couldn’t get it to move and was pretty sure I’d make junk out of the component if I continued.
So in my opinion the helix is more of a gimmick than a tuning option.
Stacking washers inside of the piston is a viable solution.
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I tried to turn the helix on the assembly. Couldn’t get it to move and was pretty sure I’d make junk out of the component if I continued.
So in my opinion the helix is more of a gimmick than a tuning option.
Stacking washers inside of the piston is a viable solution.
I thought the same when i tried to adjust it. They fitted it real snug to the point one is convinced itll crack before anything else. Had a small chunk of EPDM roofing left over i used as rubber protectors for the top hat while i latched my vice grips over it and slowly i was able to adjust it. Just my personal experience
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I have shot my TX200 with the PG3 HO kit about 6,000 shots. Here is an update on the tune.
At 300 shots the rifle was shooting 14.5 fpe (800 fps with JSB 10.3gr pellets)
After a few thousand shots, I noted some decrease in velocity (down to about 770 fps with 10.3gr pellets) so I installed one power washer, which brought it back up to 800 fps. I notice the shot cycle was was a little harsh, so I removed the power washer.
At 6,000 shots I chronied the TX200, and found it was shooting at 12.35 fpe (735 fps with JSB 10.3gr pellets). The rifle was crazy accurate: On a calm day I shot two dime size groups, a nickel size group, and a quarter size group at 50 yards. The smallest group was 7/16". See photo below.
I wanted more velocity, since I shoot this rifle in hunter field target competition. At 735 fps, the 10.3gr pellets had a trajectory like a rainbow. So I put both power washers in and brought the velocity back up to 800 fps with JSB 10.3gr pellets. What a mistake: I was lucky if I get an 15/16" group at 50 yards.
So out came the power washers. I will try JSB 7.9gr pellets (The TX's 2nd favorite pellet) to flatten out the trajectory. I may also try JSB 8.4gr pellets (3rd best pellet).
So the bottom line is this. The PG3 kit will loose power over the course of a few thousand shot, but the accuracy will get better. Installing power washers will make the shot cycle more harsh, but if you can live with a doubling of shot group size at 50 yards, go for it!
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I have shot my TX200 with the PG3 HO kit about 6,000 shots. Here is an update on the tune.
At 300 shots the rifle was shooting 14.5 fpe (800 fps with JSB 10.3gr pellets)
After a few thousand shots, I noted some decrease in velocity (down to about 770 fps with 10.3gr pellets) so I installed one power washer, which brought it back up to 800 fps. I notice the shot cycle was was a little harsh, so I removed the power washer.
At 6,000 shots I chronied the TX200, and found it was shooting at 12.35 fpe (735 fps with JSB 10.3gr pellets). The rifle was crazy accurate: On a calm day I shot two dime size groups, a nickel size group, and a quarter size group at 50 yards. The smallest group was 7/16". See photo below.
I wanted more velocity, since I shoot this rifle in hunter field target competition. At 735 fps, the 10.3gr pellets had a trajectory like a rainbow. So I put both power washers in and brought the velocity back up to 800 fps with JSB 10.3gr pellets. What a mistake: I was lucky if I get an 15/16" group at 50 yards.
So out came the power washers. I will try JSB 7.9gr pellets (The TX's 2nd favorite pellet) to flatten out the trajectory. I may also try JSB 8.4gr pellets (3rd best pellet).
So the bottom line is this. The PG3 kit will loose power over the course of a few thousand shot, but the accuracy will get better. Installing power washers will make the shot cycle more harsh, but if you can live with a doubling of shot group size at 50 yards, go for it!
Thanks for the details. I’ve had similar results with both JM and Vortek kits in my hw97k an R1k that I sold. My guns had power loss of about 12%-15% after 5k or so shots. I tune mine to about 12fpe from the start because that gives me best accuracy. Easy to bump back up to 12fpe with a power washer.
After 5k or so shots, the power on my guns has stabilized and not fallen any farther.
R
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EMrider,
That's encouraging to hear that there is no further degradation of power after 5,000 shots.
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I just ordered one of these for my TX200
My accuracy is around 0.5" at 30Y with the factory rifle. To be precise it's 0.517" for 10 X 5shot groups with 4.52 mm H&N Baracuda Match 10.65gr at 30Y ( the 4.50mm version was giving me some flyers with an average of 0.573").
I'm hoping to get tighter groups with the kit.
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I replaced a pg2 12 lb kit that was working perfectly. I am very impressed with it. I still am using the OEM piston seal. Jsb 10.3 are 845 fps. Today I shot just a few jsb 8.4 to get the scope lined up. Tiny groups at 30 yds in the wind. So far I'm very happy.
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Range day!
Couple 55 or 50 yd groups. Range markers said 55 my scope ranged 50. Normal Concod winds. I'm impressed with the new PG3 HO
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I have the 12 ftt/lb kit. Really like it. AirArms 8.4 are best for me. Dime size at 55 yds, no wind
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Here is chrony data after shooting the above groups. I'm impressed!
Stdev is 3.7, ftlb over 16
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I installed the Kit. Below target was shot after a few hundred initial pellets.
The accuracy has improved. I’m getting an average of 0.49” center to center at 30Y for ten consecutive five shot groups. If I remove only one pellet out of the 50 pellets I fired, that average would be 0.445”
The chrono numbers are amazing though.
I’m getting an SD of 2fps and an ES of 10fps for 44 shots. If I remove only one of the 44 shots, my ES goes to 7fps. I had to delete a few “duplicate” shots that typically indicate a chrono error (though the numbers are so good, that I can very well see two consecutive shots having the same exact speed).
This week I’m upgrading the scope and replacing the factory seal with a Vortek seal. At the same time I can’t imagine improving the chrono numbers I have.
As far as accuracy goes, I can’t really comment as I’m not used to shooting springers. I’m not using the artillery hold. I just put the middle of the rifle on a bag and hold it very lightly.
(https://i.imgur.com/lqBr8My.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/rjxgVmf.jpg)
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With the Vortek seal, I'm getting an SD of 1 fps and an ES of 5fps.
I'm also noting a decrease in velocity from 799fps to 765fps.
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And today the spring broke!
(https://i.imgur.com/nRXcnWy.jpg)
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Wow that is so unfortunate, Kevin.
Approximately how many shots before your spring broke?
Just trying to gauge spring life as I have the PG3 in my Tx and I shoot Ft.
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And today the spring broke!
(https://i.imgur.com/nRXcnWy.jpg)
That is unfortunate given the consistency you were seeing in FPE and SD. I’ve broken a few Vortek springs, but never inside of 5,000 shots. Usually they go well past 10,000. I have yet to break a JM spring.
R
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I probably shot a couple of thousands rounds before the spring broke. It’s definitely below 5k. I contact CS and they’ll send me a new one (need to return the original with $15 check).
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I finally send it back and got a replacement today.
Interestingly it's a PG3 steel model.
I didn't know they existed....
(https://i.imgur.com/FYSTYDW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/bd6sVUt.jpg)
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Looks way sexier in the silver dress. ;D Let us know how it performs.
-Marty
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I'm using the lowest setting.
With the JSB 8.44 I'm getting an average of 849 FPS (13.5 Ft/lbs) with an ES of 10.
With JSB 10.34 I'm getting 12.5 Ft/lbs.
The gun is very accurate (even without the kit).
The metal kit got rid of the twang. But the gun is pretty loud and I think it's louder than the plastic kit.
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After a few thousands pellets the velocity dropped from 850fsp to 769fps with JSB 8.44 with a ES of 10-15 fps
The only lube I'm is the Krytox GPL 205 Grease
Below target was shot at 23Y indoor a few days ago (at that time the velocity was 811 FSP with JSB 8.44).
If the energy drops below 11FPE, I'll probably have to change the power setting from low to medium.
(https://i.imgur.com/KOBKMWN.jpg)
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After a few thousands pellets the velocity dropped from 850fsp to 769fps with JSB 8.44 with a ES of 10-15 fps
The only lube I'm is the Krytox GPL 205 Grease
Below target was shot at 23Y indoor a few days ago (at that time the velocity was 811 FSP with JSB 8.44).
If the energy drops below 11FPE, I'll probably have to change the power setting from low to medium.
(https://i.imgur.com/KOBKMWN.jpg)
I've also experienced a similar magnitude power decline after 2k or so shots with my Vortek kits. Good news is that after the initial decline, it has always stabilized. Good luck!
R
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The velocity dropped to 736 fps with JSB 8.44
I also noticed some grinding sound when cocking the rifle.
I took the kit out and noticed the spring is a little bending to one side. I took the kit out and reinstalled the factory parts. Now I get the boing, but no noise when cocking and decent velocities. I think I'm done with Vortek kits. I just ordered a basic TBT to try out.
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Try a Tinbum kit. I have one in my TX200. Very smooth with good velocity. I bought the kit that just has the spring guides, and I used the stock spring.
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I put back the Vortek kit while waiting for the TBT kit.
I much prefer shooting the 8.44gr pellets at 10 FPE with the kit vs the factory parts that has too much vibrations, twang and is ultimately way less accurate compared to the rifle with the kit.
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The spring on the kit is pretty much dead. It's considerably shorter than before. The cocking lever only starts to compress the spring 2/3 of the way. The FPE dropped to 7 with JSB 8.44
Still pretty accurate, but this kit isn't going back in the gun.
(https://i.imgur.com/nGy8Sp6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nXmsQrQ.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/OYYTluq.jpg)
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Who sells the TX200 TBT kits in the US? I just don't feel comfortable with Vortek for several reasons.